Improv - Level 1: Basics
This class focuses on the fun and discovery of improv while teaching the fundamental skills of agreement, listening, group mind, and technical elements of improv performance.
Available classes
Improv - Level 1
None currently enrolling
Prerequisites
No previous experience necessary, all students must have read Registration Policies (below) before registering
Currently in Session:
None
Course Description
This class will focus on the fundamentals of comedic longform improvisation, including listening, agreement, group mind, teamwork, and introductory scenework. Students should plan on moving, so wear clothes and shoes you can move in!
Classes meet eight times for 2.5 hours per session.
Students are required to see at least one improv show during the course of the class.
A maximum of 16 students may register for this class.
Registration Policies
Enrollment Policy
Students may enroll for a class when they have completed the prerequisites for the class or if they have received permission from the registrar. If you have questions about your eligibility for a class, email classes@dojocomedy.com. Registrants are also required to read all of the below class registration policies before registering (updated 1/6/2016)
Attendance
Improv is a group activity that is best learned in a creative and supportive learning environment. The best way to support yourself and your fellow classmates is to attend all eight classes. Absences hinder your growth as an improviser and in turn affect your ability to support your classmates in class and on stage. If you cannot attend all eight scheduled classes, we recommend you wait until a course you can fully commit to is available.
Dojo Comedy understands that emergencies do happen so absences are allowed, but to maintain class integrity we do not allow more than TWO absences. Upon a third absence you will be REMOVED from the class. Removal from class means you cannot attend any more classes or participate in the student showcase(s). Once removed, if you wish to continue your training, you will have to repeat the level at full tuition price.
Extenuating Circumstances of Absence
If you were forced to miss three classes due to circumstances out of your control, you may appeal the resultant removal from a class by emailing classes@dojocomedy.com. These appeals are up to the sole discretion of the registrar. Situations that could be appealed include death in the family, medical emergencies, etc. Appeals can result in credits towards future classes, reversal of class removal, or full/partial class refunds and are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Lateness
If you are more than 20 minutes late, you will be marked absent. If you are more than 40 minutes late, you will not be allowed into class.
Prompt attendance is expected from all students. Arriving late requires the instructor to explain exercises and concepts again and is considered too disruptive to be allowed.
If you show up more than 40 minutes late and beg your teacher to let you in, this is even more disruptive and is considered inappropriate conduct which could result in removal from the Dojo Comedy Training Program.
20 Minutes Absence
Students are expected to be present for the entire class. If you miss more than 20 minutes of any session, you will be marked absent for that session. Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to leave for the remainder of the session. For instance, if you arrive 15 minutes late and leave 15 minutes early, it will be considered an absence (30 minutes total). Or if you leave in the middle of class for 30 minutes, that will also be considered an absence, and you may not be allowed to return. If a student leaves class more than 20 minutes before the official end time, this will be considered an absence.
Make-Up Policy
Due to the nature of this course, make-ups are not available.
Refund Policy
Refunds are processed by emailing classes@dojocomedy.com or calling at 1-844-4MY-DOJO (1-844-469-3656). A full refund is available if notice is given seven full days before the start of the class. Withdrawal from a class inside of the seven-day window before the start of the class and the start of the class proper will result in a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued once the class has started.
Dress Code
Students should plan on moving, so wear clothes and shoes you can move in comfortably and without exposing too much of yourself.
Show Requirement and Student IDs
As a student it is important for you to see long form improv in action. In order to move on to the next level, one of your requirements is to see one longform improv show. Your show must be seen while your class is in session and before class #8. If you do not see your required show by class #8, you will NOT be allowed to participate in the final class performance or move on to the next level. To make this easier for you, you will receive a student ID in class #1. The ID gives you access to free stand-by tickets for all Dojo Comedy shows. Awesome!
No Large Items
Dojo Comedy is not equipped to store large student possessions like massage tables or bicycles. Please lock these items up outside or leave them at home.
Switching Sections
If your course section has not started and you want to switch into a different section that costs the same, is not sold-out and has also not started, you may do so. Requests for switches are only accepted when received three full days before the start of the original course. Once your class has started, you cannot switch into a different section.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years of age or older to sign up for this course. If you are 16-17 years old, you may take the course by having a Parent/Guardian contact the Registrar (1-844-4MY-DOJO, classes@dojocomedy.com). If you are under the age of 16, you cannot participate in the Dojo Comedy Training Program at this time.
Conduct
During class, please do not:
eat
drink alcohol
use tobacco products (including e-cigarettes)
use electronic devices in class (including reading or writing text messages)
talk while your teacher or fellow classmate is talking
abuse the walls, chairs, or any other part of the space
bring uninvited guests to class
Inappropriate physical or sexual behavior between any members of this class at any time will not be tolerated. Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and will result in suspension and removal from the course. Don’t be a dick.
Competency
Students are not guaranteed promotion to the next course level. Promotion is contingent on attendance, seeing shows, and a demonstration of course concepts through application in class.
Instructor Attendance
Dojo Comedy reserves the right to replace a course instructor at anytime with another equally qualified instructor, without prior notice.
Cancellation
Dojo Comedy reserves the right to postpone or cancel a course if they do not reach a minimum number of students.
Accept or Deny Anyone
Dojo Comedy reserves the right to accept or deny any individual's enrollment.
Inclement Weather
We encourage students to use public transportation whenever possible. Please allow for extra travel time if there is a storm or other situation that might cause delays. In the event that classes are canceled or postponed, students will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, assume that classes will proceed as planned.
Expressed Assumption of Risk
By registering for a Dojo Comedy class, you agree to the below terms.
I am voluntarily participating in my Dojo Comedy class. I understand that there are potential risks associated with my participation in this class, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death, or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or other’s actions, inactions, or negligence, or the condition of the class location or facilities. Nonetheless, I assume all risks of my participation in the class, whether known or unknown to me, including travel to and from the class or any events incidental to the class.